The straight up & down or rectangular figure is a dream for fashion designers as it is easy to make it look good especially when slim. The objective with this body line is to create curves by pulling the eye out at the bust line and above and out at the hip line and below; this will make the waist look smaller. Defining the empire waist is a good option as  this will divert attention away from thicker waist.

When choosing a two piece swimsuit, try to find styles with hip ties on bottom and frills or detail at bustline and above.

Colour blocking is also a great option - (See picture). This will create the illusion of curves.

I had some portrait pictures of my family done recently by Karen Lucas of Baobab Photography and I am so thrilled with the pictures that I just had to share a few with you. Karen specializes in portraits and is a gifted photographer. I especially loved the fact that she made us look beautiful but natural. Karen prepared a photo album for me with the pictures and I know that it will be something that I treasure for many years to come. Karen has kindly offered a 10% discount to all Nutri-Style clients so be sure to consider Karen for your next photo shoot.

There has been so much talk and media coverage about Michelle Obama’s clothes and style that I can’t help but get on the band wagon.

I think that Michelle knows her body’s good and bad points and is very skilled at dressing to highlight her best attributes. Michelle has a well proportioned hourglass shape with a long body. She dresses to make the most of her curves by wearing tops which are fitted and often wears belts to accentuate her small waist.

The key with this sillouette is the wear close fitting clothes in drapeable fabrics e.g. knits, jersey, wool etc. Linens and crisper fabrics do not work with this curvier figure type and would add bulk and make her hourglass body look heavier and boxier. 

Michelle has many options with skirts and can carry off pencil, straight and flared skirts as she has a nicely sloped line from her wasit to her low hip.

Hourglasses who have a straighter hip line would look best in a pencil or straight skirt and should avoid flared skirts.

I admire that Michelle does not have to wear really expensive clothes to look great. She is famous for wearing high street brands such as J. Crew and looking fabulous (See sparkling cardigan & green spotted skirt outfit below.

 It just goes to show that you don’t have to pay a million dollars to look a million dollars.

What do you think of Michelle’s style? Do you approve or diapprove?

I have recently just passed the majority of my maternity clothes to a soon to be mother and I must say I was very happy to do so. I was asked today where I would recommend to get maternity clothes in Singapore, so here goes:

My number one pick is definately Thyme Maternity located at Takashimaya and Centrepoint. They do nice big sizes and I found some great tailored pants for work which I am still wearing until the tummy reduces back to its original size.

I also got some great tops at Spring Maternity located at Plaza Singapura and at Vivo City.

Mothers Work at Tanglin Mall does some lovely fresh tops though they are a little pricier.

Some other places to consider: Egg Maternity at Vivo City & Mothers En Vogue at Delfi Orchard.

The Triangle or pear shape is probably the most common figure type amongst woman. It is a sexy figure and very easy to balance. Wear all the detail and colour up top and streamline the bottom torso with dark colours and minimal detail. A-line skirts and dresses are great for diguising hips & saddlebags.

Tommy Bahama Swimsuit - Available at Ocean Paradise Paragon & Tanglin Mall Singapore

The Inverted Triangle Figure is characterised by Broad Shoulders and/or Bust measurements which are wider then hip width. This is a sexy figure which can be balanced by wearing detail and colour on the lower body and wearing neutral/ darker items with minimal detail on the upper body. Famous people with this figure type include Denise Richards and Jennifer Garner.

I know I love to change my hair and makeup on a routine basis as I get bored. I have found a great website where you can upload a picture of yourself and try different hair and makeup. I use it all the time and it gives me some great idea’s. Its only limitation really is that it may not neccessarily give you the best hair colour and makeup colours for your skin tone. A colour analysis is the only way to get accurate advise in this area. Its well worth a go though - See link below:

http://www.instyle.com/instyle/makeover?action=showMakeover&tab=bestBeautyBuys

Fire Engine Red Lipstick is a bit much for me as a faired skinned summer person - but check out my watermelon coloured lips - This colour works well with my fair colouring and low contrast level.

Fig 1: Aileen wearing watermelon red lipstick (above left) and fire engine red lipstick (above right).

Red lips are a huge trend at the moment and if you don’t have at least one red lipstick in your makeup bag then you should reconsider. Red lips have been around forever and for good reason. They can make a woman feel confidence, strong and feminine.  They can liven up the dullest of outfits and create a touch of old world glamour. There are a few general rules to be kept in mind when doing a strong red lip:

• Keep the rest of your makeup neutral and low key and let your lips do all the talking.
• Choose a red that works with your skin tone - Winter colouring looks fabulous in true blue reds (think Dita Von Tessa), Summers look best in Watermelon Reds or Pinkish Reds, Autumns look best in an Orange or Brick Red and Springs look great in a Clear Primary Red (Think fire engine red).

The mantra ‘Slow & Steady’ has being going around in my head for the last week. You’re probably asking why? Well as most of you know by now, I have a gorgeous three month old, Jack. (See picture). He is delightful and the absolute apple of my eye. However along with him, came 30lbs of extra weight. I have managed to shed 20lbs but am now left with 10lbs which seem impossible to shift. I have to keep reminding my self that ‘Slow & Steady’ wins in the long term. It is amazing how 10lbs can affect self confidence and self esteem so I have to keep reminding myself (like I tell all my clients) to hang in there and eventually the weight will come off and not to put off living in the mean time. I would love to hear how you are doing if you have been struggling with that 2, 5, 10 or even 40lbs extra. Aileen x

One of the questions I am frequntly asked is ‘Can I wear a belt?’. The answer is yes in most cases but your figure type must be taken into consideration. If you are short waisted (That is you cannot fit 2 hand spans comfortably between your waist line and under your bust)then wearing a belt is trickier. For instance, in theory as an hourglass, belts should look great on me, however with a shorter waist and a bigger bust, I have to take great care with belting. A belt tends to shorten the upper torso and make it look heavier especially when worn in a contrasting colour. If you have a shorter waist, I would advise that you wear a thin belt in a similar or toning colour to your outfit.
Here are my suggestions for different figure types:
Hourglass & Pear/ Long Waisted - You can wear most types of belt on your natural waist
Hourglass & Pear/ Short Waisted - Thin belt in similar or toning colour to your outfit
Rectangles & Inverted Triangles/ Long Waisted - Wear thicker belts in a darker colour than your outfit and this will create the illusion of a slimmer waist
Rectangles & Inverted Triangles/ Short Waisted, Plus sized & Rounded Figures should avoid belting in the waist ares as this will emphasis your problems - Try belting at the empire waist which will cinch you in at the thinnest part of your body.